Football League to present Paul Dickov with fair play award

Doncaster Rovers manager Paul Dickov is to receive a special fair play award from The Football League.

This is to mark his outstanding act of sportsmanship during the club’s Sky Bet League 1 match with Bury on the opening weekend of the new season.

Dickov ordered his players to allow Bury to score during stoppage time after Doncaster’s Harry Forrester had accidentally put his side ahead when attempting to play the ball back to Shakers' goalkeeper Christian Walton.

Following Dickov’s intervention, Bury striker Leon Clarke was allowed to walk the ball into the Donny net to level proceedings in a remarkable display of sportsmanship.

With over 1 million online views of the incident recorded already, Doncaster’s actions have been lauded by fans around the globe.

Announcing the special presentation that will take place at a forthcoming match, Shaun Harvey, the Chief Executive of The Football League, said: “Every club manager wants to begin the new season with three points, so for Paul to focus on the game’s best interests at a moment of intense pressure is something that deserves this special recognition.”

Commenting on his nomination, Doncaster manager Paul Dickov said: “I’m actually a little bit embarrassed by all the plaudits to be honest!

“I think any other manager in my position would have done the same thing. One thing we have here at Doncaster within football is a really good name and it was important to keep that.

“The reaction its had has been absolutely fantastic, especially with coverage coming from all over the world. People have been very supportive and if anything, it’s raised the profile of the ethos of this club which is great for everyone. But away from all that, I firmly believe it was the right thing to do.”